Ignitor

ABSTRACT

In an igniter which is ignited by rotation of an actuator, ignition of the igniter is disabled by a simple rotation of the actuator in the initial state or in the non-used state and the ignition lock can be released in a series of igniting actions without preventing the automatic return of the igniter to the locked state, while ensuring excellent operability of the igniter. The igniter is provided with an actuator mechanism ( 5 ) for carrying out an igniting operation on a valve mechanism ( 7 ) for controlling supply of gas from a reservoir portion ( 2 ) to a gas nozzle ( 9 ) in an end portion of a rod-like portion ( 4 ) and an ignition mechanism ( 8 ). The actuator mechanism ( 5 ) comprises a rotatable actuator ( 51 ), a fulcrum member ( 52 ) about which the actuator is rotated, and an interlocking member ( 53 ) which operates a piezoelectric unit ( 8 ). The igniting operation of the actuator ( 51 ) involves rotation of the actuator about the fulcrum member in one direction and an auxiliary operation of the actuator to be done in continuous with rotation of the actuator in a direction different from said one direction with the actuator mechanism automatically returned to its initial state in response to return of the actuator to its initial position.

This is a national stage of PCT/JP02/10957 filed Oct. 22, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an igniter which ejects gas and ignites thegas in response to operation of an actuator which is supported forrotation about a fulcrum, and normally prevents ignition by preventingrotation of the actuator or by preventing full operation or reset of theigniting system while permitting to ignite by releasing thesepreventions when using the igniter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An igniter, for instance, an igniting rod can ignite by simply pushingan actuator. However, it is required to provide the igniter with, forinstance, a lock mechanism which prevents the igniter from accidentallyor unintentionally igniting, and accordingly, there have been proposedvarious igniters provided with various lock mechanisms.

For example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.8(1996)-61673, there is disclosed an igniter in which a lock memberhaving a part which interferes with a part of an actuator to prevent theigniter from igniting is provided to be movable in a directionintersecting the direction of movement of the actuator, an urging memberis disposed to urge the lock member toward its locking position, and thelock member has a lock release portion for moving the lock memberovercoming the urging member in the vicinity of the actuator.

However, such a lock mechanism is of a type in which the actuator isslid and cannot be applied as it is to an igniter of a type to which thepresent invention is applied and in which the actuator is rotated.

Further, in such a lock mechanism, it is necessary to operate anothermember such as a lock release member remote from the actuator prior tothe igniting action by the actuator, which makes it necessary a multiplestages of actions for the igniting action, and deteriorates theoperability of the igniter. It is preferred that the lock mechanism besuch that the igniter can be stably shifted to an igniting state by aseries of actions and can be automatically shifted to the initial statewhere ignition of the igniter is disabled in response to release of theactuator from the finger.

In view of the foregoing observations and description, the primaryobject of the present invention is to provide an igniter having anactuator mechanism which can stably take the ignition lock state so thatthe ignition lock state can be easily released by a series of ignitingactions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The igniter of the present invention comprises a gas nozzle which isdisposed in an end portion of a rod-like portion and discharges gas, areservoir storing therein fuel, a valve mechanism for controlling supplyof gas from the reservoir to the gas nozzle, an ignition mechanism whichgenerates a discharge electric voltage for igniting the gas dischargedfrom the gas nozzle, and an actuator mechanism which is operated toaccomplish an igniting action of igniting the gas discharged from thegas nozzle, wherein the improvement comprises that the actuatormechanism comprises a rotatable actuator, a fulcrum member which issupported on an igniter body casing and about which the actuator isrotated and an interlocking member which operates the ignition mechanismin response to rotation of the actuator, and the igniting action of theactuator involves rotation of the actuator about the fulcrum member inone direction and an auxiliary operation of the actuator to be done incontinuous with rotation of the actuator, in said one direction, in adirection different from said one direction with the actuator mechanismautomatically returned to its initial state in response to return of theactuator to its initial position.

It is preferred that the auxiliary operation of the actuator beoperation to move the fulcrum of the actuator. In this case, it ispreferred that the fulcrum member extends like a stem on each side ofthe actuator to be fixed thereto and be supported by a bearing portion,fixed to the igniter body casing, to be able to support the actuator forrotation and to be moved in the auxiliary operation in a directionperpendicular to the direction of the axis of rotation of the actuator.

An actuator mechanism in accordance with a first system comprises arotatable actuator, a fulcrum member which is supported on an igniterbody casing and about which the actuator is rotated, an interlockingmember which operates the ignition mechanism in response to rotation ofthe actuator, a lock member which engages to prevent rotation of theactuator, thereby making an ignition lock, when the actuator is notoperated, and an urging member which urges the actuator toward itslocking position, wherein the igniting action of the actuator involvesmaking an auxiliary operation of the actuator in one direction torelease the engagement of the lock member and then rotating the actuatorin a direction different from the direction in which the auxiliaryoperation of the actuator is made to release the engagement of the lockmember.

An example of the actuator mechanism in accordance with the first systemis provided with a pair of lock members which are disposed between thefulcrum member and the igniter body casing and are brought intoengagement with each other under the urging force of the urging memberto make the ignition lock, so that after release of ignition lock by anauxiliary operation of the actuator in one direction to move the fulcrummember overcoming the urging force of the urging member, the actuator isrotated about the fulcrum member for the igniting action in a directiondifferent from the direction in which the auxiliary operation of theactuator is made to release the ignition lock. In this case, the lockmembers may be projections which are formed on one of the fulcrum memberand the igniter body casing and are engaged with engagement portionsformed on the other of the fulcrum member and the igniter body casing tomake the ignition lock.

Another example of the actuator mechanism in accordance with the firstsystem is provided with a lock member which is disposed between theinterlocking member and the igniter body casing and is brought intoengagement under the urging force of the urging member to make theignition lock, so that after release of ignition lock by an auxiliaryoperation of the actuator in one direction to move the interlockingmember overcoming the urging force of the urging member, the actuator isrotated for the igniting action in a direction different from thedirection in which the auxiliary operation of the actuator is made torelease the ignition lock. In this case, the lock member may be aprojection which is formed on one of the interlocking member and theigniter body casing to interfere with an engagement portion formed onthe other of the interlocking member and the igniter body casing to makethe ignition lock, and is passed through groves formed on theinterlocking member or the igniter body casing to permit rotation of theinterlocking member.

It is preferred that the urging member comprises a pushing member whichslides in response to movement of the actuator toward the lock releasedirection and a spring which urges the pushing member, and a part of theactuator be in contact with the pushing member to be slidable inresponse to rotation of the actuator.

An actuator mechanism in accordance with a second system comprises arotatable actuator, a fulcrum member which is supported on an igniterbody casing and about which the actuator is rotated and an interlockingmember which operates the ignition mechanism in response to rotation ofthe actuator, wherein rotation of the actuator is set so that therotation of the actuator by way of the interlocking member causes theignition mechanism to be operated by an amount not sufficient todischarge electric voltage, the actuator is movable to a position whereit can operate the igniting member by way of the interlocking member byan amount sufficient to discharge electric voltage by an auxiliaryoperation of the actuator in a direction different from the direction ofthe rotation of the actuator, and the igniting action of the actuatorinvolves in addition to rotation of the actuator about the fulcrummember, an auxiliary operation of the actuator in a direction differentfrom the direction of the rotation of the actuator to a position whereit can operate the igniting member by way of the interlocking member byan amount sufficient to discharge electric voltage.

Further, an actuator mechanism in accordance with a third systemcomprises a rotatable actuator, a fulcrum member which is supported onan igniter body casing and about which the actuator is rotated, aninterlocking member which operates the ignition mechanism in response torotation of the actuator and a reset prevention member which preventsthe ignition mechanism from returning to a reset position, wherein theigniting action of the actuator involves rotation of the actuator afterthe ignition mechanism is returned to the reset position overcoming thereset prevention member by an auxiliary operation of the actuator in adirection different from the direction of the rotation of the actuator.In this case, it is suitable for the reset prevention member to preventreset of the ignition mechanism by urging the actuator toward thedirection in which the ignition mechanism is operated.

The auxiliary operation of the actuator in the actuator mechanisms inaccordance with the second and third systems is suitably an operation tomove the position of the fulcrum of the actuator in parallel to thedirection in which the ignition mechanism is operated.

The interlocking member in each of the actuator mechanisms in accordancewith the first to third systems may comprise a link member whichtransmits rotation of the actuator to the ignition member.

In the interlocking member in each of the actuator mechanisms inaccordance with the first to third systems, at least one of the valvemechanism and the ignition mechanism cannot be operated and accordinglyignition of the igniter is disabled unless the igniting action of theactuator involving rotation of the actuator and the auxiliary operationis continuously done, whereas when the actuator is rotated about thefulcrum member and the auxiliary operation is done before or after therotation of the actuator continuously therewith, the valve mechanism andthe ignition mechanism can be operated and the discharged gas can beignited. When the actuator is released, the actuator is automaticallyrotated back to extinguish the igniter and the igniter automaticallyreturns to the initial state where the igniter cannot be ignited by anincorrect operation of the actuator. When the igniter is not in use, aninadvertent ignition of the igniter is thus prevented.

For example, in an igniter provided with an actuator mechanism inaccordance with the first system, when the actuator is not operated andin the lock position by the urging member, the igniter is in theignition lock state where the lock member engages and rotation of theactuator is inhibited. When the actuator is operated to release theignition lock in the auxiliary operation overcoming the urging member ina direction different from the direction in which the actuator isrotated, the lock member is disengaged to permit rotation of theactuator, whereby fuel gas discharged in response to igniting action ofthe actuator is ignited. When the actuator is released, the actuator isautomatically rotated back to the initial position and the actuator ismoved under the force of the urging member to the lock state where theigniter cannot be ignited by an incorrect operation of the actuator.

In an igniter provided with an actuator mechanism in accordance with thesecond system, when the actuator is simply rotated without the auxiliaryoperation, the ignition mechanism cannot be operated by way of theinterlocking member by an amount sufficient to discharge electricvoltage, and accordingly, ignition of the igniter is disabled, whereaswhen the auxiliary operation is carried out in a direction different tothe direction of rotation of the actuator in addition thereto, theignition mechanism is operated by way of the interlocking member by anamount sufficient to discharge electric voltage and an electricdischarge takes place, whereby fuel gas discharged is ignited. When theactuator is released, the actuator is automatically returned to theposition where it requires the auxiliary operation to ignite theigniter.

In an igniter provided with an actuator mechanism in accordance with thethird system, since returning of the ignition mechanism to the originalstate is prevented by the reset prevention member and accordingly theignition mechanism cannot be reset, when the actuator is simply rotatedwithout the auxiliary operation, the ignition mechanism cannot beoperated, and accordingly, ignition of the igniter is disabled, whereaswhen the actuator is rotated after the auxiliary operation is carriedout in a direction different to the direction of rotation of theactuator to permit the ignition mechanism to return to the resetposition overcoming the reset prevention member, an electric dischargetakes place, whereby fuel gas discharged is ignited. When the actuatoris released, the actuator is automatically returned to the positionwhere it requires the auxiliary operation to ignite the igniter.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an igniter which comprises a gas nozzle which is disposed in anend portion of a rod-like portion and discharges gas, a reservoirstoring therein fuel, a valve mechanism for controlling supply of gasfrom the reservoir to the gas nozzle, an ignition mechanism whichgenerates a discharge electric voltage for igniting the gas dischargedfrom the gas nozzle, and an actuator mechanism which is operated toaccomplish an igniting action of igniting the gas discharged from thegas nozzle, wherein the improvement comprises that the actuatormechanism comprises an actuator which is movable by a fulcrum memberwhich is supported on an igniter body casing and an interlocking memberwhich operates the ignition mechanism, and the ignition mechanism isbrought into abutment against the interlocking member to discharge anelectric voltage in response to movement of the actuator for ignitionand returns to the initial state in response to return of the actuatorto the initial position.

Further, in accordance with still another aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided an igniter which comprises a gas nozzlewhich is disposed in an end portion of a rod-like portion and dischargesgas, a reservoir storing therein fuel, a valve mechanism for controllingsupply of gas from the reservoir to the gas nozzle, an ignitionmechanism which generates a discharge electric voltage for igniting thegas discharged from the gas nozzle, and an actuator mechanism which isoperated to accomplish an igniting action of igniting the gas dischargedfrom the gas nozzle, wherein the improvement comprises that the actuatormechanism comprises a rotatable actuator, a fulcrum member which issupported on an igniter body casing and about which the actuator isrotated, an interlocking member which operates the ignition mechanism inresponse to rotation of the actuator, a lock member which is provided onthe actuator and a part of which interferes with the igniter body casingto inhibit rotation of the actuator to make an ignition lock when theactuator is not operated, and an urging member which urges the lockmember toward the lock position, the igniting action of the actuatorinvolving rotation of the actuator after releasing interference of thelock member with the igniter body casing by lock release operation withthe actuator mechanism automatically returned to its initial state inresponse to return of the actuator to its initial position.

It is preferred that the lock release operation moves the lock memberalong an actuating portion of the actuator member. In this case, it ispreferred that the lock member comprises an actuating portion mounted onthe actuator to be slidable along the actuating portion of the actuatorand a locking portion which is formed contiguously to the actuator andhas an end portion which is able to be projected and retracted from theactuator and can interfere with the igniter body casing, and the urgingmember urges the locking portion to project.

In such an igniter, when the lock member is not operated and is held inthe lock position under the force of the urging member, the igniter isin the locked state where a part of the lock member is in interferencewith the igniter body casing and rotation of the actuator is inhibited.When the lock member on the actuator is released from the igniter bodycasing overcoming the urging member, rotation of the actuator ispermitted, whereby fuel gas discharged in response to igniting action ofthe actuator is ignited. When the actuator is released, the actuator isautomatically rotated back to the initial position and the lock memberis moved under the force of the urging member to the lock state wherethe igniter cannot be ignited by an incorrect operation of the actuator.

In accordance with the igniters of the present invention, since it isnecessary to rotate the actuator and to accomplish the auxiliaryoperation of the actuator in a direction different from the direction inwhich the actuator is rotated before or after the rotation of theactuator, or to release ignition lock by the lock member on the actuatorprior to rotation of the actuator, it is difficult for those who do notknow correct use of the igniter to make the igniter in an ignitablestate or to release the ignition lock, whereby inadvertent ignition ofthe igniter can be prevented, and at the same time, since the igniter isautomatically returned to the initial state or the locked state whereignition of the igniter is disabled, the igniter cannot be left in theignitable state. Further, in the extinguished state, the igniter can besurely held in the un-ignitable state and the reliability can beimproved. Further, the auxiliary operation of the actuator or the lockrelease operation of the lock member and the igniting operation of theactuator can be smoothly done in a series of actions which makes itunnecessary a multiple stages of actions for the igniting action, andimproves the operability of the igniter, whereby stable ignition of theigniter can be obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an igniter inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the igniter taken along a horizontalmedial plane,

FIG. 3 is a plan view partly in cross-section showing the actuatormechanism of the igniter shown in FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I in FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 3,

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 3,

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3,

FIG. 8 is a front view partly in cross-section showing an important partshown in FIG. 4 but in a lock release state,

FIG. 9 is a side view partly in cross-section showing an important partshown in FIG. 5 but in a lock release state,

FIG. 10 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the importantpart shown in FIG. 9 for illustrating ignition from the state shown inFIG. 9,

FIG. 11 is a plan view partly in cross-section showing the actuatormechanism of an igniter in accordance with a second embodiment of thepresent invention,

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 11,

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 12,

FIG. 14 is a front view partly in cross-section showing an importantpart shown in FIG. 12 but in a lock release state,

FIG. 15 is a front view partly in cross-section showing an importantpart shown in FIG. 13 but in a lock release state,

FIG. 16 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the importantpart shown in FIG. 14 for illustrating ignition from the state shown inFIG. 14,

FIG. 17 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the importantpart shown in FIG. 16 but illustrating return to the initial state fromthe state shown in FIG. 16,

FIG. 18 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuatormechanism of an igniter in accordance with a third embodiment of thepresent invention in its non-operated state,

FIG. 19 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuatormechanism of the igniter shown in FIG. 18 for illustrating rotation ofthe actuator,

FIG. 20 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuatormechanism of the igniter in a state where the auxiliary operation hasbeen further done from the state shown in FIG. 19,

FIG. 21 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuatormechanism of an igniter in accordance with a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention in its non-operated state,

FIG. 22 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuatormechanism of the igniter shown in FIG. 21 for illustrating the auxiliaryoperation,

FIG. 23 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuatormechanism of the igniter in a state where rotation of the actuator hasbeen further done from the state shown in FIG. 22,

FIG. 24 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuatormechanism of an igniter in accordance with a fifth embodiment of thepresent invention in its non-operated state,

FIG. 25 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuatormechanism of the igniter shown in FIG. 24 for illustrating rotation ofthe actuator,

FIG. 26 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuatormechanism of the igniter in a state where the auxiliary operation hasbeen further done from the state shown in FIG. 25,

FIG. 27 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuatormechanism of an igniter in accordance with a sixth embodiment of thepresent invention in its non-operated state,

FIG. 28 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuatormechanism of the igniter shown in FIG. 27 for illustrating the auxiliaryoperation,

FIG. 29 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuatormechanism of the igniter in a state where rotation of the actuator hasbeen further done from the state shown in FIG. 28,

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an igniter inaccordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the igniter taken along ahorizontal medial plane,

FIG. 32 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuatormechanism of the igniter shown in FIG. 30,

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 32,

FIG. 34 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the supportstructure of the actuator mechanism shown in FIG. 30,

FIG. 35 is a side view partly in cross-section showing an important partof the actuator mechanism shown in FIG. 32 but in a lock release state,and

FIG. 36 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the importantpart of the actuator mechanism shown in FIG. 32 in its igniting state.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail withreference to the drawings, hereinbelow.

First Embodiment

The igniter of this embodiment is in the form of an igniting rod and isshown in FIGS. 1 to 10. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing anappearance of an igniter in accordance with a first embodiment of thepresent invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the igniter takenalong a horizontal medial plane, FIG. 3 is a plan view partly incross-section showing the actuator mechanism of the igniter, FIGS. 4 to7 are cross-sectional views of the parts shown in FIG. 3, and FIGS. 8 to10 are cross-sectional views for illustrating operation of the ignitingrod. In these drawings and the following drawings, hatching showing thecross-sections of the reservoir portion, the valve mechanism and thelike is partly abbreviated.

The igniter (igniting rod) 1 of this embodiment comprises, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, a reservoir portion 2 which is disposed in a base portionof the igniter 1 and stores therein pressurized fuel gas such as butanegas, an actuator portion 3 which is disposed in an intermediate portionand in which an actuator mechanism 5 for carrying out igniting operationis disposed, and a rod-like portion 4 which extends forward from theactuator portion 3 and is provided with a gas nozzle 9 in the endportion. The actuator mechanism 5 comprises an actuator (actuatorbutton) 51 which is rotated, and a valve mechanism 7 which isinterlocked with the actuator mechanism 5 to control supply of gas fromthe reservoir portion 2 to the gas nozzle 9 in response to operation ofthe actuator mechanism 5, and a piezoelectric unit 8 which is anignition mechanism generating a discharge electric voltage for ignitingthe gas discharged from the gas nozzle 9 and is interlocked with theactuator mechanism 5 to generate the discharge electric voltage inresponse to operation of the actuator mechanism 5 are provided in theigniter 1.

The reservoir portion 2 comprises a reservoir body 21 which is tubularand has a bottom, a lid member 22 which closes the open end of thereservoir body 21 and a reservoir cover 23 which is disposed to surroundthe reservoir body 21. The valve mechanism 7 is a known one and ismounted on the lid member 22. The valve mechanism 7 has a nozzle member71 which opened and closed by an L-shaped lever 72 an end portion ofwhich is engaged with the nozzle member 71. Gas supplied by the valvemechanism 7 is supplied to the gas nozzle 9 in the end portion of therod-like portion 4 by way of a gas pipe 73.

The actuator portion 3 is provided with an igniter body casing 31(igniter body) which is horizontally divided into upper and lower halves31 a and 31 b, and an inner tube 41 of the rod-like portion 4 isintegrally formed with the front end portion of the igniter body casing31. The rod-like portion 4 has the gas nozzle 9 connected to the frontend of the gas pipe 73 at a central portion of the front end portion ofthe inner tube 41, and a rod-like metal tubular body 43 is fitted on theoutside of the inner tube 41 so that flame is ejected from a flame portwhich opens in the front end face of the metal tubular body 43. Anelectrode (not shown) is provided in the metal tubular body 43 toproject near to the gas nozzle 9.

A window portion 32 opens in the upper half 31 a of the igniter bodycasing 31 and the actuator 51 of the actuator mechanism 5 is disposed atthe center of the window portion 32. A protective portion 33 projectsfrom the upper half 31 a of the igniter body casing 31 along theperipheral edge of the window portion 32. The protective portion 33 isformed to surround the actuator 51 with its front portion higher.

The actuator mechanism 5 comprises the actuator 51 which is rotatableand is provided with an actuating portion 51 a on its surface, ashaft-like fulcrum member 52 about which the actuator 51 is rotated in adirection perpendicular to the centerline of the valve mechanism 7, aninterlocking member 53 (an interlocking lever) which operates thepiezoelectric unit 8 in response to rotation of the actuator 51, a lockmember 54 which makes an ignition lock, by inhibiting rotation of theactuator 51 and an urging member 6 which urges the actuator 51 towardits locking position.

The piezoelectric unit 8 is disposed between the actuator 51 and the lidmember 22 to generate a discharge voltage in response to rotation of theactuator 51, and is provided with a projection 81 on the sliding portionthereof. The projection 81 is brought into abutment against the endportion of the L-shaped lever 72 when the sliding portion is movedrearward upon igniting operation of the actuator mechanism 5 to rotatethe L-shaped lever 72, whereby the nozzle member 71 of the valvemechanism 7 is opened and gas is supplied. The discharge voltagegenerated by the piezoelectric unit 8 is led to the gas nozzle 9 and theelectrode in the rod-like portion 4 by way of a known energizingmechanism and an ignition spark is generated therebetween.

The actuator 51 of the actuator mechanism 5 is ellipsoidal in plan andhigher in the front portion facing the rod-like portion 4 than the rearportion. That is, the upper surface of the actuator 51 forming theactuating portion 51 a is inclined to be higher forward, and when theigniter 1 is to be ignited, i.e., for igniting operation, a user'sfinger is applied to the actuating portion 51 a and the actuatingportion 51 a is pushed forward. The igniting operation of the actuator51 involves rotation of the actuator 51 about the fulcrum member 52 andan auxiliary operation of the same in a direction different from thedirection of rotation to be done in continuous with rotation of theactuator. In this particular embodiment, the auxiliary operation of theactuator 51 is downward depression of the rear portion of the actuator51.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the base end of the fulcrum member (rotaryshaft) 52 which is like a laterally extending round rod is fixed to thelower portion of the actuator member 51 near to the reservoir portion 2on opposite sides of the actuator 51 and a pair of bearing portions 34are erected on the bottom of the lower half 31 b of the igniter bodycasing 31 on opposite sides of the bottom of the lower half 31 b. Abearing groove 34 a (FIG. 5) is formed in the top end of each of thebearing portions 34 to be vertically long. The fulcrum member 52 isreceived in the bearing grooves 34 a of the bearing portions 34, wherebythe actuator 51 is supported on the fulcrum member 52 so that the frontend portion thereof is rotatable and the rear end portion thereof ismovable up and down.

In this particular embodiment, lock members 54 which inhibit rotation ofthe actuator 51 to disable ignition of the igniter 1 by preventingrevolution of the fulcrum member 52 are provided. That is, the fulcrummember 52 is provided with a lock member 54 (engagement projection) inthe form of a projection on the upper portion of each of opposite endportions thereof. The lock members 54 are adapted to be engaged with agroove-like engagement portions 35 a formed on the lower surface of theupper half 31 a of the igniter body casing 31. When the lock members 54are engaged with the groove-like engagement portions 35, revolution ofthe fulcrum member 52, that is, rotation of the actuator 51, isinhibited, whereby the igniter 1 is brought into the locked state. Theauxiliary operation to release the lock of the igniter 1 is carried outby depressing the rear end portion of the actuator 51 to move downwardthe fulcrum member 52 so that the lock members 54 are disengaged fromthe engagement portions 35 and rotation of the actuator 51 is permitted.Though, in the illustrated embodiment, the lock member 54 is arectangular projection and the engagement portion 35 is in the form of arecessed groove, the lock member 54 may be like a pin with theengagement portion 35 like hole. Further, inversely to the casedescribed above, a projecting lock member may be formed on the lowersurface of the upper half 31 a of the igniter body casing and a recessedengagement portion may be formed on the fulcrum member 52.

As shown in FIG. 6, the actuator 51 is provided with a downwardextending projection 51 b on its lower surface near the center of thefulcrum member 52 and the projection 51 b is urged upward by the urgingmember 6. The urging member 6 is provided with a pressing member 62which is slidable up and down in a guide portion 61 formed on the bottomof the lower half 31 b of the igniter body casing 31, and a coiledspring 63 is compressed by the pressing member 62, whereby the pressingmember 62 is urged upward by the coiled spring 63. The top surface ofthe pressing member 62 is formed in a concave arcuate surface and thelower end of the projection 51 b formed in a convex arcuate surface isin abutment against the top surface of the pressing member 62, wherebythe lower end of the projection 51 b and the top surface of the pressingmember 62 are in contact with each other to be slidable relatively toeach other even if the actuator 51 has been rotated and the rear endportion of the actuator 51 and the fulcrum member 52 are urged upward tothe lock position.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the actuator 51 is provided with aninterlocking member 53 extending downward from a rear end portion of theactuator 51. The front end of the piezoelectric unit 8 abuts against thelower rear end of the interlocking member 53 so that the piezoelectricunit 8 is moved rearward by the interlocking member 53 in response torotation of the actuator 51. The return spring (not shown) built in thepiezoelectric unit 8 urges the interlocking member 53 toward its initialposition, whereby the front end portion of the actuator 51 is urged torotate upward.

As shown in FIG. 4, a reinforcing rib 55 extending from the actuator 51to the lower end of the fulcrum member 52 on opposite sides of theactuator 51 reinforces the fulcrum member 52.

Operation of the igniter 1 of this embodiment will be described,hereinbelow. That is, when the igniter 1 is in its non-operated state(left to stand still) where the actuator 51 is not operated as shown inFIGS. 1 to 7, the actuator 51 and the fulcrum member 52 are held intheir lifted positions under the force of the urging member 6, and thelock members 54 are in engagement with the engagement portions 35. Inthis state, the actuator 51 cannot be rotated since rotation of thefulcrum member 52 is inhibited. That is, the igniter 1 is locked.

When the igniter 1 is to be ignited, auxiliary operation is done. Thatis, a finger is applied to the actuating portion 51 a of the actuator51, and the rear end portion of the actuator 51 is depressed in thedirection of the arrow overcoming the force of the urging member 6 asshown in FIGS. 8 and 9. By the auxiliary operation, the fulcrum member52 is moved downward and the lock members 54 are disengaged from theengagement portions 35, whereby the igniter 1 is turned to the lockrelease state, where rotation of the actuator 51 is permitted.

When the front end portion of the actuator 51 is depressed in thedirection of the arrow in FIG. 10 to rotate the actuator 51 with therear end portion of the actuator 51 held in the depressed state by theauxiliary operation, the interlocking member 53 moves rearward thepiezoelectric unit 8 so that the projection 81 rotates the lever 72,whereby the nozzle member 71 is lifted to open the valve mechanism 7 andgas is supplied to the gas nozzle 9 through the gas pipe 73. Further, adischarge voltage is generated in response to operation of thepiezoelectric unit 8 and an electric spark is generated between theelectrode in the rod-like portion 4 and the gas nozzle 9, whereby thedischarged gas is ignited.

When depression of the actuator 51 is released or the finger which hasbeen applied to the actuating portion 51 a is released for interruptinguse of the igniter 1, the actuator 51 is rotated in the reversedirection to return to the initial position by way of the interlockingmember 53 under the force of the return spring (not shown) in thepiezoelectric unit 8 and at the same time, the fulcrum member 52 isrotated in the reverse direction to the position where the lock members54 and the engagement portions 35 can be engaged with each other and thefulcrum member 52 is lifted under the force of the urging member 6 sothat the lock members 54 and the engagement portions 35 are engaged witheach other, whereby the igniter 1 is automatically returned to thelocked state.

Though, in the above embodiment, the fulcrum member 52 is fixed to theactuator 51, the fulcrum member 52 may be mounted on the igniter bodycasing 31 to support the actuator 51 for rotation and up-and-downmovement. In this case, the fulcrum member 52 is fixed to be neitherrotated nor moved up and down while supporting the actuator 51 to bemovable up and down by way of, for instance, an elongated hole, and thelock member 54 is disposed between the fulcrum member 52 and theactuator 51 so that the lock member 54 is disengaged in response to anauxiliary operation of depressing the actuator 51 to move downward thesame.

Further, the urging member 6 may be arranged to urge the fulcrum member52. For example, an urging member 6 which urges upward the end portionof the fulcrum member 52 may be provided on the bearing portion 34.

Further, the igniting mechanism for generating a discharge voltage maycomprise a discharge circuit using a cell in place of the piezoelectricunit 8. This is the same in all the embodiments to be described later.

In accordance with this embodiment, it is necessary to perform, prior torotation of the actuator 51, an auxiliary operation of lock release bydepressing the rear end portion of the actuator 51 in a directiondifferent from the direction in which the actuator 51 is rotated. In anunused state, the lock members 54 and the engagement portions 35 areconstantly engaged with each other to disable the igniter 1 from beingignited, and after use of the igniter 1, the igniter 1 is automaticallyreturned to the locked state. Accordingly, inadvertent ignition of theigniter can be prevented, and at the same time, the auxiliary operationof lock release and rotation of the actuator for ignition can besmoothly carried out, whereby good operability can be obtained.

Second Embodiment

An igniter in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention is shown in FIGS. 11 to 17. FIG. 11 is a plan view partly incross-section showing the actuator mechanism of the igniter, FIGS. 12 to14 are cross-sectional views of the parts shown in FIG. 11, and FIGS. 15to 17 are cross-sectional views for illustrating operation of theigniting rod.

The igniter (igniting rod) 10 of this embodiment is the same as thefirst embodiment except the actuator mechanism 50, and accordingly, theanalogous elements are given the same reference numerals.

The actuator mechanism 50 of the igniter of this embodiment comprises anactuator 51 similar to that of the first embodiment, and the actuator 51is held by a fulcrum member 52 on its opposite sides to be rotatable andmovable up and down. The actuator 51 has on its rear end portion aninterlocking member 53 which extends downward and actuates thepiezoelectric unit 8. Further the rear end portion of the actuator 51 isurged upward or toward its lock position by an urging member 6 which isof the same structure as that of the first embodiment. The ignitingoperation of the actuator 51 involves rotation of the actuator 51 aboutthe fulcrum member 52 and an auxiliary operation of the same in adirection different from the direction of rotation to be done incontinuous with rotation of the actuator. In this particular embodiment,the auxiliary operation of the actuator 51 is downward depression of therear portion of the actuator 51.

Lock members 57 for carrying out the ignition lock by inhibitingrotation of the actuator 51 are provided to inhibit movement of theinterlocking member 53. That is, a bracket 37 is erected on the bottomof the lower half 31 b of the igniter body casing 31 on a side of theinterlocking member 53, and the bracket 37 has one of the lock members57 (engagement projection) on its side surface facing the interlockingmember 53. Further, the urging member 6 has another of the lock members57 on the side surface of a frame-like guide portion 61 thereof facingthe interlocking member 53.

Each of the lock members 57 is a pin-like projection which is adapted tobe engaged with the rear end of an engagement portion 53 a formed on theend of the interlocking member 53. When the lock member 57 is engagedwith the engagement portion 53 a, rotation of the interlocking member53, that is, rotation of the actuator 51, is inhibited and the igniteris brought into the locked state. The auxiliary operation to release thelock is to depress the rear end portion of the actuator 51 to movedownward the interlocking member 53 so that the lock member 57 isdisengaged from the engagement member 53 a and moved into a groove 53 bformed in the side of the interlocking member 53, thereby permittingrotation of the actuator 51.

The groove 53 b is formed arcuately about the fulcrum member 52 toextend from the front end portion to the rear end portion of theinterlocking member 53. Further, the engagement portion 53 a on thelower end of the groove 53 b is cut away on the side facing the rear endof the groove 53 b and the upper portion of the lock member 57 faces therear end of the groove 53 b in the engaged state shown in FIG. 12.Further, the front end portions of the grooves 53 b are tapered in thevertical direction to guide the lock members 57 upon returning to theinitial position.

Though, in the illustrated embodiment, the pin-like lock members 57 areprovided on the bracket 37 and the guide portion 61, and the engagementportions 53 a and the grooves 53 are provided on the interlocking member53, the engagement portions 53 a and the grooves 53 may be provided onthe bracket 37 and the guide portion 61, and the pin-like lock members57 may be provided on the interlocking member 53, inversely to theillustrated embodiment. Further, though, in the illustrated embodiment,the lock member 57 is provided on each side of the interlocking member53, the lock member 57 may be provided on one side of the interlockingmember 53.

In this embodiment, when the igniter 1 is in its non-operated state(left to stand still) where the actuator 51 is not operated as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, the actuator 51 and the interlocking member 53 are heldin their lifted positions under the force of the urging member 6, andthe lock members 57 are in engagement with the engagement portions 53 a.In this state, the actuator 51 cannot be rotated since rotation of theinterlocking member 53 is inhibited. That is, the igniter 1 is locked.

When the igniter 1 is to be ignited, auxiliary operation is done. Thatis, a finger is applied to the actuating portion 51 a of the actuator51, and the rear end portion of the actuator 51 is depressed in thedirection of the arrow overcoming the force of the urging member 6 asshown in FIGS. 14 and 15. By the auxiliary operation, the interlockingmember 53 is moved downward and the lock members 57 are disengaged fromthe engagement portions 53 a into the grooves 53 b, whereby the igniter1 is turned to the lock release state, where rotation of the actuator 51is permitted.

When the front end portion of the actuator 51 is depressed in thedirection of the arrow in FIG. 16 to rotate the actuator 51 with therear end portion of the actuator 51 held in the depressed state by theauxiliary operation, the interlocking member 53 rotates with the lockmembers 57 moved through the grooves 53 b to move rearward thepiezoelectric unit 8, whereby the nozzle member 71 is lifted to open thevalve mechanism 7 and gas is supplied to the gas nozzle 9 through thegas pipe 73. Further, the discharged gas is ignited by the electricvoltage discharge.

When depression of the actuator 51 is released to interrupt use of theigniter 1, the interlocking member 53 and the actuator 51 are rotated inthe reverse direction to return to the initial position under the forceof the return spring in the piezoelectric unit 8. At this time, the lockmember 57 is passed through the groove 53 b of the interlocking member53 from the front end portion to the rear end portion and returns to theinitial position. Thereafter the interlocking member 53 is lifted underthe force of the urging member 6 so that the lock members 57 and theengagement portions 53 a are engaged with each other, whereby theigniter 1 is automatically returned to the locked state. When theactuator 51 is released from the finger and the interlocking member 53is lifted upward under the force of the urging member 6 before theactuator 51 is rotated back to the initial position, the lock member 57is returned to the initial position under the guidance of the front sidecurved surface of the groove 53 b.

Also, in accordance with this embodiment, desired lock function and lockrelease function are obtained and at the same time, an automatic returnof the igniter to the locked state can be obtained. Further, theoperability of the igniter is excellent.

The auxiliary operation of the actuator (the lock release operation)need not be limited to those in the preceding embodiments but may beperformed in any direction so long as it is different from the directionof rotation of the actuator. For example, the auxiliary operation of theactuator may be performed back and forth or left and right other than upand down. The lock member may be arranged to engage and disengageaccording to the direction of the auxiliary operation.

Third Embodiment

FIGS. 18 to 20 show an igniter in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 18 is a side view partly in cross-sectionshowing the actuator mechanism in its non-operated state, FIG. 19 is aside view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism shownin FIG. 18 for illustrating rotation of the actuator, and FIG. 20 is aside view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism in astate where the auxiliary operation has been further done from the stateshown in FIG. 19.

The igniter (igniting rod) 100 of this embodiment is the same as thefirst embodiment except the actuator mechanism 150, and accordingly, theanalogous elements are given the same reference numerals.

The actuator mechanism 150 of the igniter of this embodiment comprisesan actuator 151 similar to that of the first embodiment in appearanceand provided with an actuating portion 151 a on its surface, and theactuator 151 is held by a fulcrum member 152 on its opposite sides forrotation and back-and-forth movement on the top ends of bearing portions134. The actuator 151 has on its rear end portion an interlocking member153 which extends downward and actuates the piezoelectric unit 8. Thatis, the base end of the fulcrum member (rotary shaft) 152 which is likea laterally extending round rod is fixed to the lower portion of theactuator member 151 near to the reservoir portion 2 on opposite sides ofthe actuator 151 and a pair of bearing portions 134 are erected on thebottom of the lower half 31 b of the igniter body casing 31 on oppositesides of the bottom of the lower half 31 b. A bearing groove 134 a isformed in the top end of each of the bearing portions 134 to bevertically long. The fulcrum member 152 is received in the bearinggrooves 134 a of the bearing portions 134, whereby the actuator 151 issupported on the fulcrum member 152 so that the front end portionthereof is rotatable and the whole actuator 151 is movable back andforth in parallel to the direction of operation of the piezoelectricunit 8.

The igniting operation of the actuator 151 involves rotation of theactuator 151 about the fulcrum member 152 and an auxiliary operation ofthe same in a direction different from the direction of rotation to bedone in continuous with rotation of the actuator 151. In this particularembodiment, the auxiliary operation of the actuator 151 is rearwardmovement of the whole actuator 151 in parallel to the direction ofoperation of the piezoelectric unit 8. The piezoelectric unit 8discharges a discharge voltage when its front end is moved rearward to adischarge position P.

The actuator 151 is arranged so that the fulcrum member 152 ispositioned in the forward position in the bearing groove 134 a of thebearing portion 134 as shown in FIG. 18 in the non-operated state or thereturned state and a maximum rotation of the actuator 151 in this statecauses the interlocking member 153 to operate the piezoelectric unit 8by an amount smaller than the amount of operation to the dischargeposition P by an amount d as shown in FIG. 19. That is, thepiezoelectric unit 8 can discharge no electric voltage in this state.

The amount of movement of the auxiliary operation to move the fulcrummember 152 to the rearward position in the bearing groove 134 a of thebearing portion 134 is larger than the amount d so that, in addition torotation of the actuator 151, auxiliary operation of the actuator 151 inthe rearward direction shown by the arrow different from the directionof rotation of the actuator 151 can cause the interlocking member 153 tooperate the piezoelectric unit 8 to the discharge position P as shown inFIG. 20. That is, the piezoelectric unit 8 can generate a dischargevoltage.

In this embodiment, unless the auxiliary operation of the actuator 151,the fulcrum member 152 is positioned in the forward position in thebearing groove 134 a of the bearing portion 134 as shown in FIG. 18 anda rotation of the actuator 151 in this state causes the interlockingmember 153 to operate the piezoelectric unit 8 by an amount smaller thanthe amount of operation to the discharge position P by an amount d asshown in FIG. 19. That is, the igniter is disabled from ignition. Whenthe auxiliary operation to move rearward the actuator 151 as shown bythe arrow in FIG. 20 is carried out in addition to rotation of theactuator 151, the interlocking member 153 comes to be able to operatethe piezoelectric unit 8 to the discharge position P as shown in FIG.20. That is, the piezoelectric unit 8 can generate a discharge voltageto ignite gas discharged from the gas nozzle. The auxiliary operationmay be carried out prior to rotation of the actuator 151.

When rotation and auxiliary operation of the actuator 151 is released tointerrupt use of the igniter, the interlocking member 153 and theactuator 151 are rotated in the reverse direction and are moved forth toreturn to the initial position shown in FIG. 18 under the force of thereturn spring in the piezoelectric unit 8. That is, the igniter isautomatically returned to a state where ignition of the igniter isdisabled.

Also, in accordance with this embodiment, ignition lock to prevent theigniter from being ignited by simple rotation of the actuator 151 can beensured and the ignition lock can be released in a series of actions andat the same time, an automatic return of the igniter to the locked statecan be obtained. Further, the operability of the igniter is excellent.

Fourth Embodiment

FIGS. 21 to 23 show an igniter in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 21 is a side view partly in cross-sectionshowing the actuator mechanism in its non-operated state, FIG. 22 is aside view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism shownin FIG. 21 after the auxiliary operation has been done, and FIG. 23 is aside view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism in astate where the actuator has been rotated from the state shown in FIG.22.

The igniter (igniting rod) 200 of this embodiment is the same as thepreceding embodiment except the actuator mechanism 250, and accordingly,the analogous elements are given the same reference numerals.

The actuator mechanism 250 of the igniter of this embodiment comprisesan actuator 151 similar to that of the third embodiment, and theactuator 151 is held by a fulcrum member 152 on its opposite sides forrotation and back-and-forth movement along bearing grooves 134 a formedin the top ends of the bearing portions 134 to be long back and forth inparallel to the direction of operation of the piezoelectric unit 8. Theactuator 153 has an interlocking member 153 which extends downward tooperate the piezoelectric unit 8 on its rearward portion.

In this particular embodiment, the igniting operation of the actuator151 involves rotation of the actuator 151 about the fulcrum member 152and an auxiliary operation of the same in a direction different from thedirection of rotation to be done in continuous with rotation of theactuator 151. In this particular embodiment, the auxiliary operation ofthe actuator 151 is forward movement of the whole actuator 151 in thedirection reverse to the direction of operation of the piezoelectricunit 8. The piezoelectric unit 8 discharges an electric voltage when thefront end is moved rearward to the discharge position P and when thefront end is returned to the reset position S, the piezoelectric unit 8comes to be able to discharge again.

The actuator mechanism 250 is provided with a reset prevention member260 which prevents the piezoelectric unit 8 from being moved forward upto the reset position S. The reset prevention member 260 comprises apressing member 262 which slides back and forth in a guide portion 161provided on a protective portion 33 of the upper half 31 a of theigniter body casing 31 forward of the actuator 151, and the pressingmember 262 is urged rearward by a coiled spring 263 (may be resilientmaterial such as a leaf spring, a resin spring or the like). The rearend of the pressing member 262 constantly abuts against the front end ofthe actuator 151 even if the actuator 151 is rotated to urge rearwardthe actuator 151 so that the piezoelectric unit 8 cannot be fullyreturned to the initial position.

In the non-operated state or the returned state from the precedingigniting action shown in FIG. 21, the reset prevention member 260 urgesrearward the piezoelectric unit 8 by way of the actuator 151 and theinterlocking member 153 so that the piezoelectric unit 8 stops short ofthe reset position S. That is, the reset prevention member 260 preventsmovement of the fulcrum member 152 to the rearward position in thebearing groove 134 a until the auxiliary operation of the actuator 151is done. In the non-operated state, the piezoelectric unit 8 cannot bereset and rotation of the actuator 151 from this position cannot causethe piezoelectric unit 8 to discharge an electric voltage even if thepiezoelectric unit 8 is operated to the discharge position P.

The amount of movement of the auxiliary operation to move the fulcrummember 152 to the forward position in the bearing groove 134 a of thebearing portion 134 is to permit the piezoelectric unit 8 to return tothe reset position S so that auxiliary operation of the actuator 151 inthe forward direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 22 different from thedirection of rotation of the actuator 151 prior to rotation of theactuator 151 permits the interlocking member 153 to operate thepiezoelectric unit 8 to the reset position S as shown in FIG. 22. Thatis, the piezoelectric unit 8 can generate a discharge voltage bysubsequently operating it to the discharge position P.

In the initial state where the auxiliary operation of the actuator 151has not been carried out, the fulcrum member 152 for the actuator member151 is in the rearward position in the bearing groove 134 a of thebearing portion 134 and the piezoelectric unit 8 has not been reset.Rotation of the actuator 151 in this state cannot cause thepiezoelectric unit 8 to discharge an electric voltage. That is, ignitionof the igniter is disabled. When auxiliary operation to move forward theactuator 151 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 22 overcoming theforce of the reset prevention member 260 is carried out, thepiezoelectric unit 8 can be reset and rotation of the actuator 151causes the piezoelectric unit 8 to discharge an electric voltage inresponse to rearward movement of the piezoelectric unit 8 to thedischarge position P, whereby gas discharged from the gas nozzle isignited. Rotation of the actuator 151 may be carried out in the rearwardposition after the auxiliary operation.

When rotation and auxiliary operation of the actuator 151 is released tointerrupt use of the igniter, the interlocking member 153 and theactuator 151 are rotated in the reverse direction and are moved forth toreturn to the initial position shown in FIG. 21, where return of thepiezoelectric unit 8 to the reset position S is prevented by the resetprevention member 260, under the force of the return spring in thepiezoelectric unit 8. That is, the igniter is automatically returned toa state where ignition of the igniter by a simple rotation of theactuator 151 is disabled.

Also, in accordance with this embodiment, ignition lock to prevent theigniter from being ignited by simple rotation of the actuator 151 can beensured and the ignition lock can be released in a series of actions andat the same time, an automatic return of the igniter to the locked statecan be obtained. Further, the operability of the igniter is excellent.

Fifth Embodiment

FIGS. 24 to 26 show an igniter in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 24 is a side view partly in cross-sectionshowing the actuator mechanism in its non-operated state, FIG. 25 is aside view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism of theigniter shown in FIG. 24 for illustrating rotation of the actuator, andFIG. 26 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuatormechanism of the igniter in a state where the auxiliary operation hasbeen further done from the state shown in FIG. 25.

The igniter (igniting rod) 300 of this embodiment somewhat differs fromthe preceding embodiment in appearance and differs from the precedingembodiment in operation of the actuator mechanism 350 and interlockingstructure, and accordingly, the elements analogous in their functionseven if they are different in their shapes are given the same referencenumerals.

The actuator mechanism 350 of the igniter 300 of this embodimentcomprises a rotatable actuator 351, a shaft-like fulcrum member 52 aboutwhich a forward end of the actuator 351 is rotated, an interlockingmember 353 (a link member) which operates the piezoelectric unit 8 inresponse to rotation of the actuator 51, and a pushing member 354 whichis mounted on the front end of the piezoelectric unit 8.

The upper surface of the actuator 351 is inclined to be higher rearwardto form an actuating portion 351 a, and when the igniter 1 is to beignited, i.e., for igniting operation, a user's finger is applied to theactuating portion 351 a and the rear end portion of the actuatingportion 351 a is depressed so that the actuator 351 is rotated. Theigniting operation of the actuator 351 involves rotation of the actuator351 about the fulcrum member 352 and an auxiliary operation of the samein a direction different from the direction of rotation to be done incontinuous with rotation of the actuator 351. In this particularembodiment, the auxiliary operation of the actuator 351 is rearwardmovement of the actuator 351 in the direction of operation of thepiezoelectric unit 8. The piezoelectric unit 8 discharges a dischargevoltage when it is moved rearward to a discharge position P.

The actuator 351 is provided with a fulcrum member 352 which is like around rod laterally extending on opposite sides of the front end portionof the actuator 351, and the fulcrum member 352 is held for rotation andback-and-forth movement by bearing grooves 134 a formed to be long backand forth in the top ends of the bearing portions 134 erected on thebottom of the lower half 31 b of the igniter body casing 31 on oppositesides of the bottom of the lower half 31 b, whereby the rear end portionof the actuator 351 is rotatable and the whole actuator 351 is movableback and forth in parallel to the direction of operation of thepiezoelectric unit 8.

Further, the actuator 351 is provided with an engagement groove 351 bwhich opens downward at an intermediate portion thereof, and a front endshaft portion 353 a of a link-like interlocking member 353 is engagedfor rotation with the engagement groove 351 b. A rear end shaft portion353 b is engaged for rotation with an engagement groove 354 a of thepushing member 354 which opens forward at the front face of the pushingmember 354. The front end portion of the piezoelectric unit 8 isinserted into an insertion portion 354 b of the pushing member 354directed rearward.

The interlocking member 353 is rotated in response to rotation of theactuator 351 and causes the pushing member 354 to slide back and forth,and interlocks the actuator 351 and the pushing member 354 with eachother so that the pushing member 354 is moved rearward to operate thepiezoelectric unit 8 when the actuator 351 is rotated.

A window portion 32 opens in the upper half 31 a of the igniter bodycasing 31 and the actuator 351 is disposed in the window portion 32. Aprotective portion 133 projects from the upper half 31 a of the igniterbody casing 31 along the peripheral edge of the window portion 32. Theprotective portion 33 is formed to surround the forward portion of theactuator 351 with its front portion higher.

The actuator 351 is arranged so that the fulcrum member 352 ispositioned in the forward position in the bearing groove 134 a of thebearing portion 134 as shown in FIG. 24 in the non-operated state or thereturned state and a maximum rotation of the actuator 351 in thedirection of the arrow in this state causes the interlocking member 353to operate the piezoelectric unit 8 by an amount smaller than the amountof operation to the discharge position P by an amount d as shown in FIG.25. That is, the piezoelectric unit 8 can discharge no electric voltagein this state.

The amount of movement of the auxiliary operation to move the fulcrummember 352 to the rearward position in the bearing groove 134 a of thebearing portion 134 is larger than the amount d so that, in addition torotation of the actuator 351, auxiliary operation of the actuator 351 inthe rearward direction shown by the arrow different from the directionof rotation of the actuator 151 can cause the interlocking member 353 tooperate the piezoelectric unit 8 to the discharge position P as shown inFIG. 26. That is, the piezoelectric unit 8 can generate a dischargevoltage. These functions are the same as in the third embodiment.

In this embodiment, unless the auxiliary operation of the actuator 351,the fulcrum member 352 is positioned in the forward position in thebearing groove 134 a of the bearing portion 134 as shown in FIG. 24 androtation of the actuator 151 in this state causes the interlockingmember 353 (a link member) to operate the piezoelectric unit 8 by anamount smaller than the amount of operation to the discharge position Pby an amount d as shown in FIG. 25. That is, the igniter is disabledfrom ignition. When the auxiliary operation to move rearward theactuator 151 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 26 is carried out in additionto rotation of the actuator 151, the interlocking member 353 comes to beable to operate the piezoelectric unit 8 to the discharge position P asshown in FIG. 26. That is, the piezoelectric unit 8 can generate adischarge voltage to ignite gas discharged from the gas nozzle. Theauxiliary operation may be carried out prior to rotation of the actuator151.

When rotation and auxiliary operation of the actuator 351 is released tointerrupt use of the igniter, the interlocking member 353 and theactuator 351 are rotated in the reverse direction and are moved forth toreturn to the initial position shown in FIG. 24 under the force of thereturn spring in the piezoelectric unit 8. That is, the igniter isautomatically returned to a state where ignition of the igniter isdisabled.

Also, in accordance with this embodiment, provided with an actuatormechanism 350 comprising an actuator 351 supported at its front end andan interlocking member 353, ignition lock to prevent the igniter frombeing ignited by simple rotation of the actuator 351 can be ensured andthe ignition lock can be released in a series of igniting actions and atthe same time, an automatic return of the igniter to the locked statecan be obtained. Further, the operability of the igniter is excellent.

Sixth Embodiment

FIGS. 27 to 29 show an igniter in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 27 is a side view partly in cross-sectionshowing the actuator mechanism in its non-operated state, FIG. 28 is aside view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism shownin FIG. 27 after the auxiliary operation has been done, and FIG. 29 is aside view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism in astate where the actuator has been rotated from the state shown in FIG.28.

The igniter (igniting rod) 400 of this embodiment is the same as thefifth embodiment except the actuator mechanism 450, and accordingly, theanalogous elements are given the same reference numerals. Further, theigniting operation is based on a technical concept similar to that ofthe fourth embodiment.

The actuator mechanism 450 in this embodiment comprises an actuator 351supported at its front end and an interlocking member 353 in the form ofa link member which are similar to those of the fifth embodiment. Theactuator 351 is held by a fulcrum member 352 on opposite sides of itsfront portion for rotation and back-and-forth movement along bearinggrooves 134 a formed to be long back and forth in the top ends of thebearing portions 134 in parallel to the direction of operation of thepiezoelectric unit 8 and the interlocking member 353 which operativelycouples the actuator 351 and a pushing member to operate thepiezoelectric unit 8 is accommodated in the actuator 351.

The igniting operation of the actuator 351 involves rotation of theactuator 351 about the fulcrum member 352 and an auxiliary operation ofthe same in a direction different from the direction of rotation to bedone before the rotation of the actuator 351 in continuous therewith. Inthis particular embodiment, the auxiliary operation of the actuator 351is forward movement of the whole actuator 351 in the direction reverseto the direction of operation of the piezoelectric unit 8. Thepiezoelectric unit 8 discharges an electric voltage when it is movedrearward to the discharge position P and when it is returned to thereset position S, the piezoelectric unit 8 comes to be able to dischargeagain.

The actuator mechanism 450 is provided with a reset prevention member460 which prevents the piezoelectric unit 8 from being moved forward upto the reset position S. The reset prevention member 460 comprises apressing member 462 which slides back and forth in a guide portion 461provided on the upper half 31 a of the igniter body casing 31 forward ofthe actuator 351, and the pressing member 462 is urged rearward by acoiled spring 463 (may be resilient material such as a leaf spring, aresin spring or the like). The rear end of the pressing member 462constantly abuts against the front end of the actuator 351 even if theactuator 351 is rotated to urge rearward the actuator 351 so that thepiezoelectric unit 8 cannot be fully returned to the initial position.

In the non-operated state or the returned state from the precedingigniting action shown in FIG. 27, the reset prevention member 460 urgesrearward the piezoelectric unit 8 by way of the actuator 351 and theinterlocking member 353 so that the piezoelectric unit 8 stops short ofthe reset position S. That is, the reset prevention member 460 preventsmovement of the fulcrum member 352 to the rearward position in thebearing groove 134 a until the auxiliary operation of the actuator 351is done. In the non-operated state, the piezoelectric unit 8 cannot bereset and rotation of the actuator 151 from this position cannot causethe piezoelectric unit 8 to discharge an electric voltage even if thepiezoelectric unit 8 is operated to the discharge position P.

The amount of movement of the auxiliary operation to move the fulcrummember 352 to the forward position in the bearing groove 134 a of thebearing portion 134 is to permit the piezoelectric unit 8 to return tothe reset position S so that auxiliary operation of the actuator 351 inthe forward direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 28 different from thedirection of rotation of the actuator 351 prior to rotation of theactuator 351 permits the interlocking member 353 to operate thepiezoelectric unit 8 to the reset position S as shown in FIG. 28. Thatis, the piezoelectric unit 8 can generate a discharge voltage bysubsequently operating it to the discharge position P.

In the initial state where the auxiliary operation of the actuator 351has not been carried out, the fulcrum member 352 for the actuator member351 is in the rearward position in the bearing groove 134 a of thebearing portion 134 as shown in FIG. 27 and the piezoelectric unit 8 hasnot been reset. Rotation of the actuator 351 in this state cannot causethe piezoelectric unit 8 to discharge an electric voltage. That is,ignition of the igniter is disabled. When auxiliary operation to moveforward the actuator 351 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 28overcoming the force of the reset prevention member 460 is carried out,the piezoelectric unit 8 can be moved to the reset position S andsubsequent rotation of the actuator 351 as shown in FIG. 29 causes thepiezoelectric unit 8 to discharge an electric voltage in response torearward movement of the piezoelectric unit 8 to the discharge positionP, whereby gas discharged from the gas nozzle is ignited. Rotation ofthe actuator 351 may be carried out in the rearward position after theauxiliary operation.

When rotation and auxiliary operation of the actuator 351 is released tointerrupt use of the igniter, the interlocking member 353 and theactuator 351 are rotated in the reverse direction and are moved forth toreturn to the initial position shown in FIG. 27, where return of thepiezoelectric unit 8 to the reset position S is prevented by the resetprevention member 260, under the force of the return spring in thepiezoelectric unit 8. That is, the igniter is automatically returned toa state where ignition of the igniter by a simple rotation of theactuator 351 is disabled.

Also, in accordance with this embodiment, ignition lock to prevent theigniter from being ignited by simple rotation of the actuator 351 can beensured and the ignition lock can be released in a series of actions andat the same time, an automatic return of the igniter to the locked statecan be obtained. Further, the operability of the igniter is excellent.

Though, not shown, the mechanism of the first or second embodiment ofthe present invention described above where the ignition lock isobtained by the lock member and the ignition lock is released by theauxiliary operation of the actuator in a direction different from thedirection of rotation can be applied to the mechanism of the fifth orsixth embodiment of the present invention described above where thefront end of the actuator is supported for rotation on the fulcrummember 352 and an interlocking member 353 in the form of a link memberis provided.

Seventh Embodiment

The igniter of this embodiment is in the form of an igniting rod and isshown in FIGS. 30 to 36. FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing anappearance of the igniter, FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of theigniter taken along a horizontal medial plane, FIG. 32 is a plan viewpartly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism of the igniter,FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 32,FIG. 34 is a side view partly in cross-section showing the supportstructure of the actuator mechanism, FIG. 35 is a side view partly incross-section showing the actuator mechanism shown in FIG. 32 but in alock release state, and FIG. 36 is a side view partly in cross-sectionshowing the actuator mechanism in its igniting state. The igniter(igniting rod) 500 of this embodiment is the same as the firstembodiment except the actuator mechanism 550, and accordingly, theanalogous elements are given the same reference numerals.

The actuator mechanism 550 in this embodiment comprises the actuator 551which is rotatable and is provided with an actuating portion 551 a onits surface, a shaft-like fulcrum member 552 about which the actuator551 is rotated in a direction perpendicular to the centerline of thevalve mechanism 7, an interlocking member 553 (an interlocking lever)which operates the piezoelectric unit 8 in response to rotation of theactuator 551, a lock member 554 which makes an ignition lock, byinhibiting rotation of the actuator 551 and an urging member 560 whichurges the lock member 554 toward its locking position.

The actuator 551 of the actuator mechanism 550 is ellipsoidal in planand higher in the front portion facing the rod-like portion 4 than therear portion. That is, the upper surface of the actuator 551 forming theactuating portion 551 a is inclined to be higher forward, and when theigniter is to be ignited, a user's finger is applied to the actuatingportion 551 a and the actuating portion 551 a is pushed forward.

As shown in FIGS. 32 to 34, the base end of the fulcrum member (rotaryshaft) 552 which is like a laterally extending round rod is fixed to thelower portion of the actuator member 51 near to the reservoir portion 2on opposite sides of the actuator 51 and a pair of bearing portions 34are erected on the bottom of the lower half 31 b of the igniter bodycasing 31 on opposite sides of the bottom of the lower half 31 b. Abearing groove 34 a (FIG. 34) open at the upper end thereof is formed inthe top end of each of the bearing portions 34. The fulcrum member 552is received in the bearing grooves 34 a of the bearing portions 34,whereby the actuator 551 is supported on the fulcrum member 552 so thatthe front end portion thereof is rotatable.

The lock member 554 which is provided on the actuator 551 comprises anactuating portion 554 a slidable along the actuating portion 551 a ofthe actuator 551 and a lock portion 554 c which is connected to theactuating portion 554 a by way of a connecting portion 554 b and has arear end portion which can be projected from the actuator 551 tointerfere with the igniter body casing 31 and can be retracted into theactuator 551. The lock member 554 is urged by the urging member 560 inthe direction where its rear end portion is projected from the actuator551.

A groove 551 b is formed in the actuator 551 to longitudinally extendsubstantially at the center of the actuating portion 551 a, and anelongated hole 551 c is formed inside the groove 551 b to longitudinallyextend and to extend through the actuating portion 551 a. A plate-likeactuating portion 554 a of the lock member 554 is inserted to beslidable into the groove 551 b, the connecting portion 554 b projectingdownward from the lower surface of the actuating portion 554 a isinserted to be slidable into the elongated hole 551 c, and the lockportion 554 c extends rearward from the lower end portion of theconnecting portion 554 b. The rear end portion of the lock portion 554 cis inserted into an insertion hole 551 d extending through the rear wallof the actuator 551 to be projected from and retracted into the actuator551 in response to slide of the actuating portion 554 a.

A protective portion 33 of the upper half 31 a of the igniter bodycasing 31 is provided rearward of the window portion 32 with anengagement portion 36 adapted to be engaged with the lock portion 554 c.When the former and the latter are engaged with each other, rotation ofthe actuator 551 is inhibited and the igniter is brought into theignition locked state. The ignition lock is released by sliding the lockmember 554 along the actuating portion 551 a of the actuator 551 todisengage the lock member 554 from the engagement portion 36, therebypermitting rotation of the actuator 551.

A projections 554 e and 551 e are provided on the front surface of theconnecting portion 554 b and on the inner surface of the front wall ofthe actuator 551 and the urging member 560 in the form of a coiledspring is compressed between the projections to urge the lock member 554c in the direction where the lock portion 554 c is projected.

Though, in the illustrated embodiment, the lock member 554 is mounted tobe linearly slidable back and forth to make the ignition lock and torelease the ignition lock, the lock member 554 may be mounted to belaterally movable back and forth or to be rotatable back and forth, sothat a part of the lock portion 554 c is projected from the actuator 551to interfere with the igniter body casing 31 in response to movement ofthe lock member 554. For the purpose of mounting the lock member 554 onthe actuator 551, the lock member 554 or the actuator 551 is of a splitstructure, if necessary.

The actuator 551 is provided with an interlocking member 553 extendingdownward from the rear end portion of the actuator 551. The front end ofthe piezoelectric unit 8 abuts against the lower rear end of theinterlocking member 553 so that the piezoelectric unit 8 is movedrearward by the interlocking member 553 in response to rotation of theactuator 551. The return spring (not shown) built in the piezoelectricunit 8 urges the interlocking member 53 toward its initial position,whereby the front end portion of the actuator 51 is urged to rotateupward.

As shown in FIG. 33, a reinforcing rib 555 extending from the actuator551 to the lower end of the fulcrum member 552 on opposite sides of theactuator 551 reinforces the fulcrum member 552. Though, in the aboveembodiment, the fulcrum member 552 is fixed to the actuator 551, thefulcrum member 552 may be mounted on the igniter body casing 31 tosupport the actuator 551 for rotation.

Operation of the igniter 500 of this embodiment will be described,hereinbelow. That is, when the igniter 500 is in its non-operated state(left to stand still) where the actuator 551 and the lock member 554 arenot operated as shown in FIGS. 30 to 34, the lock member 554 is held inits rearward position under the force of the urging member 6 where thelock portion 554 c is projected from the actuator 551, and the lockportion 554 c interferes with the engagement portion 36. In this state,the actuator 551 cannot be rotated and the igniter 500 is locked.

When the igniter 500 is to be ignited, a finger is applied to theactuating portion 554 a of the lock member 554 in the actuating portion551 a of the actuator 551, and the lock member 554 is moved forward inthe direction of the arrow overcoming the force of the urging member 560as shown in FIG. 35. By the lock release operation, the rear end portionof the lock portion 554 c is depressed in the actuator 551 anddisengaged from the engagement portion 36, whereby the igniter 500 isturned to the lock release state, where rotation of the actuator 551 ispermitted.

When the front end portion of the actuator 551 is depressed in thedirection of the arrow shown in FIG. 35 to rotate the actuator 551 withthe lock member 554 held in the lock release position, the interlockingmember 553 moves rearward the piezoelectric unit 8, whereby gas issupplied to the gas nozzle 9 and a discharge voltage is generated,whereby the discharged gas is ignited.

When depression of the actuator 551 is released for interrupting use ofthe igniter 500, the actuator 551 is rotated in the reverse direction toreturn to the initial position by way of the interlocking member 553under the force of the return spring (not shown) in the piezoelectricunit 8 and at the same time, when the actuating portion 554 a of thelock member 554 is released from the finger, the lock member 554 ismoved rearward to the position where the lock portion 554 c is projectedand interferes with the engagement portion 36 under the force of theurging member 560, whereby the igniter 500 is automatically returned tothe locked state. When the lock member 554 is released from the fingerbefore the actuator 551 is rotated to the initial position, the lockportion 554 c attempts to project from the actuator 551 under the forceof the urging member 560. However, the lock portion 554 c slides on thesurface of the upper half 31 a of the igniter body casing 31 andprojects in the interfering position to return to the initial position.

In accordance with this embodiment, it is necessary to perform, prior torotation of the actuator 551, a lock release operation to slide theactuating portion 554 a of the lock member 554. In an unused state, thelock member 554 and the engagement portion 36 are constantly engagedwith each other to disable the igniter 500 from being ignited, and afteruse of the igniter 500, the igniter 500 is automatically returned to thelocked state. Accordingly, inadvertent ignition of the igniter can beprevented, and at the same time, the lock release operation and rotationof the actuator for ignition can be smoothly carried out, whereby goodoperability can be obtained.

Further, the igniting mechanism for generating a discharge voltage maycomprise a discharge circuit using a cell in place of the piezoelectricunit 8.

1. An igniter comprising a gas nozzle which is disposed in an endportion of a rod-like portion and discharges gas, a reservoir storingtherein fuel, a valve mechanism for controlling supply of gas from thereservoir to the gas nozzle, an ignition mechanism which generates adischarge electric voltage for igniting the gas discharged from the gasnozzle, and an actuator mechanism which is operated to accomplish anigniting action of igniting the gas discharged from the gas nozzle,wherein the improvement comprises a rotatable actuator, said actuatormounted on a fulcrum member, said fulcrum member supported on an igniterbody casing and about which the actuator is rotated, the fulcrum membercapable of moving toward the ignition mechanism as the actuator rotates,and an interlocking member extending from said rotatable actuator,whereby the igniting action of the actuator involves rotation of theactuator about the fulcrum member in one direction and an auxiliaryoperation of the actuator to move the fulcrum member toward the ignitionmechanism to be done in continuous with rotation of the actuator in adirection different from said one direction, thereby causing saidinterlocking member to operate the ignition mechanism in response torotation of the actuator and the movement of the fulcrum member, withthe actuator mechanism automatically returned to its initial state inresponse to return of the actuator to its initial position.
 2. Anigniter as defined in claim 1 in which the fulcrum member extends like astem on each side of the actuator to be fixed thereto and be supportedby a bearing portion, fixed to the igniter body casing, to be able tosupport the actuator for rotation and to be moved in the auxiliaryoperation in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the axis ofrotation of the actuator.
 3. An igniter as defined in claim 1 in whichthe interlocking member comprises a link member which transmits rotationof the actuator to the ignition mechanism.
 4. An igniter comprising agas nozzle which is disposed in an end portion of a rod-like portion anddischarges gas, a reservoir storing therein fuel, a valve mechanism forcontrolling supply of gas from the reservoir to the gas nozzle, anignition mechanism which generates a discharge electric voltage forigniting the gas discharged from the gas nozzle, and an actuatormechanism which is operated to accomplish an igniting action of ignitingthe gas discharged from the gas nozzle, wherein the improvementcomprises that the actuator mechanism comprises a rotatable actuator, afulcrum member which is supported on an igniter body casing and aboutwhich the actuator is rotated, the fulcrum member capable of movingtoward the ignition mechanism as the actuator rotates, and aninterlocking member which operates the ignition mechanism in response torotation of the actuator and the movement of the fulcrum member, whereinrotation of the actuator is set so that the rotation of the actuator byway of the interlocking member causes the ignition mechanism to beoperated by an amount not sufficient to discharge electric voltage, theactuator is movable to a position where it can operate the ignitingmember by way of the interlocking member by an amount sufficient todischarge electric voltage by an auxiliary operation of the actuator ina direction different from the direction of the rotation of theactuator, and the igniting action of the actuator involves in additionto rotation of the actuator about the fulcrum member, an auxiliaryoperation of the actuator in a direction different from the direction ofthe rotation of the actuator to a position where it can operate theigniting member by way of the interlocking member by an amountsufficient to discharge electric voltage.
 5. An igniter as defined inclaim 4 in which the auxiliary operation of the actuator is an operationto move the position of the fulcrum of the actuator in parallel to thedirection in which the ignition mechanism is operated.
 6. An igniter asdefined in claim 4 in which the interlocking member comprises a linkmember which transmits rotation of the actuator to the ignitionmechanism.